New associate pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna

Pastor Denise Founds was appointed as the new associate pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, after the retirement of Carol Terry this summer. Founds serves with senior pastor Dave Humphrey. Founds recently talked with the Sun-Times about her life in the ministry.

Pastor Denise Founds was appointed as the new associate pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, after the retirement of Carol Terry this summer. Founds serves with senior pastor Dave Humphrey. Founds recently talked with the Sun-Times about her life in the ministry.

ABOUT PASTOR FOUNDS

Years as a pastor 9

Previous appointment A three-point charge in Sussex County: St. Johnstown, Chaplain's Chapel and Ellendale United Methodist churches in Greenwood, Bridgeville, and Ellendale

Hobbies/interests “I enjoy spending time away with my husband, and also enjoy spending quality time with my grandchildren,” Founds said. “They love to come for visits too, and we always try to plan fun events to enjoy with them.”

Q Why did you decide to become a pastor?

A I felt God's call on my life first in my early 20's when I was teaching Sunday School and counselling at a junior/senior high music camp. As my faith grew I knew that God had something more for me to do, so when the opportunity presented itself, I enrolled in Wesley College as my answer to God's call. In two years I earned a college degree and six years later I completed my seminary requirements.

Q What do you enjoy most about being a pastor?

A I so enjoy sharing God's love with people everywhere, and especially with those that God has called me to serve in the churches I've been appointed to. I also enjoy visiting the sick and elderly, who especially need to know of God's love for them.

Q What's the biggest challenge?

A In some of the smaller churches I've served, motivating people can be challenging, depending on the resources they had to work with. Although our wish is to serve God in whatever ways we are called, in this economy it can be very difficult to produce the results we would like.

Q What's something that might surprise people about you or about your job?

A After spending most of my time as a senior pastor of the churches I've served, I am enjoying my present appointment as Asbury's associate pastor, in co-ministry with Rev. Dave Humphrey. I believe we are well suited for effectively pursuing the daily responsibilities and I look forward to the exciting ministries we are planning for 2012.